In a stunning display of dominance, AC Milan triumphed over their city rivals Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final, securing a resounding 3-0 victory on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. This match, held at the iconic San Siro stadium, marked a significant moment in the storied rivalry between the two clubs, as Milan achieved the rare feat of winning three derbies in a single season across all competitions for only the third time in their history.
The match was broadcast live on Mediaset, allowing fans to witness the intense atmosphere as the Rossoneri took control early and never looked back. Inter Milan, who had hoped to bounce back after recent draws in previous derbies, found themselves overwhelmed by a confident AC Milan side that executed their game plan to perfection.
Following the match, Inter's head coach Simone Inzaghi expressed his disappointment, urging his players to "clear their minds" and "move on" from the defeat. Inzaghi’s message came after what he described as a psychological blow, especially given the stakes of the match. "We cannot dwell on this loss; we have important matches ahead of us, and we need to focus on those," he stated.
The loss not only dashed Inter's hopes of advancing in the Coppa Italia but also highlighted the challenges they face in the Serie A title race, where they are still in contention against Napoli. With five crucial league matches remaining and a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona looming, Inzaghi's call for mental resilience is more important than ever.
As the match unfolded, it became clear that Inter's frustrations were mounting. The referee, Doveri, faced criticism for not allowing any stoppage time at the end of the match, a decision that left Inzaghi furious. According to reports, Inzaghi confronted the fourth official, Aureliano, demanding, "I don’t want any recovery time! Don’t take me for a fool!" This outburst, deemed excessive by refereeing authorities, could have resulted in Inzaghi's dismissal had the situation escalated further.
Inzaghi and his counterpart, Conceicao, had already made ten substitutions during the match, with both coaches looking to influence the game. However, the tactical changes were not enough to shift the momentum in Inter's favor. Milan capitalized on their chances, showcasing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity throughout the encounter.
As the teams head into the final stretch of the season, both clubs will be looking to build on their recent performances. For AC Milan, this victory serves as a significant confidence boost, reinforcing their position as one of the top teams in Italian football. Meanwhile, Inter must regroup quickly to face their upcoming challenges, starting with a match against Roma.
The derby's outcome also raises questions about the psychological impact of such a significant defeat. Historically, losing a derby can have lingering effects on a team's morale, and Inzaghi will need to ensure his players are mentally prepared to rebound. "We have to free our minds from this defeat to focus on what lies ahead," he emphasized.
Looking ahead, Inter's schedule is packed with critical fixtures. They will face Roma in the Serie A, where a win is essential to maintain their title aspirations. Following that, they will take on Barcelona in the Champions League, a match that promises to be a tough test for the Nerazzurri.
As the season progresses, both teams will undoubtedly reflect on their performances in the derby and use the lessons learned to fuel their ambitions. For Milan, the victory is a testament to their growth as a team, while for Inter, it serves as a wake-up call to address their shortcomings.
In conclusion, the 3-0 defeat in the derby marks a pivotal moment for Inter Milan. With Inzaghi's leadership and a focus on the next matches, the Nerazzurri will aim to regain their footing in the league and beyond. Meanwhile, AC Milan will look to build on this momentum as they continue their pursuit of silverware this season.
